Sheet-metal can or box



(No Model.) v r J. O'ARTWRIGHT. SHEET METAL CAN 0R BOX. No. 261,306. Patented July 18, 1882 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

JAMES (JARTWRIGHT, OF CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS.

SHEET-METAL CAN OR BOX.

SPECIFICATION formingpart of Letters Patent No. 261,306, dated July 18, 1882. Application filed March 24,1882. (N model.)

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that 1, JAMES CARTWRIGHT, of Cambridge, in the county of Middlesex and State of Massachusetts, have invented certain Improvements in Sheet-Metal Cans or Boxes,

of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to sheet-metal cans or boxes, and in particular to the class of rec'eptacles known as cracker-cans. It has for its object to provide an improved construction whereby certain useful results are produced, as hereinafter described.

0f the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this specification, Figure 1 represents a perspective view-of a cracker-can embodying my invention. Fig. 2 represents a vertical section ot'the sam The same letters of reference indicate the same parts in all the figures.

In the drawings, A represents a rectangular cracker-can'formed in the usual manner, excepting as to its upper end, and it maybe provided with a suitable cover.

In carrying out my invention 1 roll the upper ends of the sheets of metal forming thesides of the can so as to form complete scrolls or tubes B, as shown in Fig. 2, the turned portions bearing with a constant pressure at 0 against the sides of the can, and shutting elf from the interior of the can the tubular space D, formed by the turning of the sides. The head thus formed stift'ens the edge of the can without the use of an inclosed wire, but is distinguished from other beaded cans by the complete separation of the space formed by turning the sides of the can from the interior of the can.

Heretofore the top of a can has been turned to form a semicircular strengthening-rim having a recess or partially-inclosed space, in

which crumbs, dust, and other debris collect, and from which the crumbs, &c., cannot easily be removed, so that in time they become offensive and injure the contents.

Myimprovementis designed to remedy these defects without increasing the cost of the can.

It will be seen that by rolling the top of the can so as to form a complete inside tube or scroll, as shown, I exclude from the recess formed by rolling the top all crumbs, &c., so that the rolled top cannot become asource of offense, and also avoid the necessity of inserting a wire. The complete tube or scroll also eonstitutesa much stronger and stiffer top than a partial tube, and one which cannot be easily bent or indented.

I prefer to bend the edge of each sheet or side piece of the can, as shown at E, into alip or flangcjust above the point where the turned portion bears against the side or body of the can. This flange stiftens the bearing-point and renders the turned portion less likely to be sprung away or separated from its contact with the body of the can.

I claim A sheet-metal can or box having its top bent inwardly to form a complete inside tube or scroll bearing with its inturned edge against the body of the can and separating the space inclosed thereby fromthe interior of the can or box, as set forth.

In'testi'mony whereof Ihave signed my name to this specification, in the presence of two subscribing witnesses, this 11th day of March, A. D. 1882.

JAMES OARTWRIGHT.

Witnesses:

JOHN S. Rica, 0. F. BROWN. 

